In the first major crackdown against commercial establishments that disregard building plans and parking rules, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Tuesday slapped a fine of Rs 95.39 lakh on Big Bazaar.

The Kadru outlet of the retail giant has been found guilty of using its upper and lower basements as godowns instead of parking space in gross violation of mandatory provisions under the Jharkhand Municipality Act, 2011.

An order issued by town commissioner Prashant Kumar on Tuesday evening noted that the Big Bazaar store at JC Tower on Main Road came up in 2008 and right from Day One, the retail giant used the basement levels as godowns, compelling customers to park their vehicles on the road. This, the order said, triggered regular traffic snarls at Kadru More, which in turn clogged Main Road.

The communiqué further highlighted that a team from the RMC and district administration had inspected the Big Bazaar premises on October 30 after which a hearing was scheduled at the civic body's office on November 4. But, no representative from the retail chain attended the hearing.

A second hearing was scheduled on November 6, during which Big Bazaar officials maintained that the basement had been cleared for parking. The RMC authorities asked them to furnish pictorial evidence at the earliest.

"But, an independent probe (by RMC) exposed no change in the situation," the order read, explaining the pressing need to slap the hefty penalty.

Incidentally, Jharkhand High Court had on November 5 directed Big Bazaar to free its upper and lower basements within three days and asked the civic guardian to ensure compliance.

RMC insiders maintained that Tuesday's order was in tune with the HC directive, which the retail giant continued to violate.

"Under Section 453(1) of Jharkhand Municipality Act, 2011, no one can deviate from the building map/plan unless it is duly approved by bona fide authority. The fine was calculated at the rate of Rs 100 per square feet from February 9, 2012, to November 6, 2015, since the municipal act came into being in 2011. The total basement parking area of Big Bazaar is 2124.97sqft," a district official said.

The person who answered Big Bazaar's Ranchi landline number available on its website said, "The manager isn't available now. We don't have any information on any fine imposed so far. Let us see the RMC order first and then we will be able to comment."